Mar 28, 2024  
2015-2016 Course Catalog 
    
2015-2016 Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Biotechnology, Animal Science Concentration, AAS


The Biotechnology Associated in Applied Sciences (AAS) Degree has the three areas of concentration: Greenhouse Production Concentration  , Animal Science Concentration and Biomass Operations Technology Concerntration .

The Biotechnology - Animal Science AAS degree is designed to prepare students to work in agricultural industries and research laboratories. Technicians may work in the areas of laboratory research, nutritional product development, quality control, manufacturing and testing. Specific career opportunities could require skills related to laboratory development of feed additives which impact the health and development of animals, formulating livestock rations and identifying common diseases. The degree is structured to allow students to develop marketable job skills while incorporating the requirements for an Associate in Applied Sciences degree. The program includes many hands on and lab-based courses, which enable students to apply what they learn in biology, microbiology, horticulture, genetics, chemistry, statistics, and molecular biology. Specific skills such as written and oral communications, critical thinking, problem-solving, computer skills and small group collaboration are an integral part of the program. Students participate in internships in cooperation with potential employers. Please check with the Biotechnology program chairperson or an advisor for additional assistance. Total minimum credits required to complete this AAS degree is 71. Graduates of the Biotechnology - Animal Science AAS degree also qualify to be awarded the Agribusiness Animal Science Certificate  and the Biotechnology Laboratory Methods Certificate .

For more information about the Biotechnology program, please visit our website at https://go.dmacc.edu/programs/biotechnology

Locations: Ankeny

Selected courses in this program are offered at other campuses.

Students start Fall or Spring semester.

Program Entry Requirements

1. Complete an application for admission to the Biotechnology Program.
2. Satisfy the assessment requirement.
3. Attend any required information/registration session.
4. Must submit proof of one year of high school chemistry or Academic Achievement Center Chemistry I & II or successful completion of CHM 122  .
5. Must submit proof of two years of high school algebra or MAT 063  and MAT 073  .
6. Demonstrate satisfactory writing skills on college entrance or assessment exam.

Graduation Requirements

To earn a Biotechnology AAS degree, a student must be accepted into the Biotechnology program, complete all course work as
prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average.

Semester 2


Semester 3


Required Courses


Option 2 - Select 1 Course


Semester 4


Total Credits Required to Complete the Degree - 71


Fixed Costs


Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$143.00 per credit

The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change.

Varied Costs


  Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 3 Semester 4 Semester 5
Books (approximate) 275 280 180 230 275
Supplies 120 120 125 125 120

Approximate total for program: $12,003*

*Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost.

What Kind of Work Will You Do?


  • Record, analyze, summarize and present data.
  • Properly use, calibrate and maintain laboratory equipment.
  • Prepare reagents and chemicals used in the laboratory.
  • Design and conduct basic laboratory experiments or processes.
  • Use current technology such as gel electrophoresis, chromatography, or protein and DNA analysis for research,  manufacturing or quality control processes

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?


  • Critical thinking and problem-solving.
  • Good interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work effectively in groups or teams.
  • Effective oral and written communication skills.
  • Accuracy and attention to detail.
  • A good understanding of concepts of biology, chemistry, math and computers.
  • Self-motivation and ability to complete projects on time.

What Else Should I Consider about this Program or Career Choice?


  • This is a competitive and rapidly changing field. You need to continually learn new things and to keep your skills up to  date.
  • This field requires attention to detail and an ability to recognize and solve problems.
  • Some parts of the job can be very repetitive.
  • There is opportunity for advancement, but it will often require additional formal education in addition to demonstrated performance as described above.
  • This is a rapidly growing field with more than 1,000 biotech companies, academic institutions, state biotech centers and related organizations in all 50 U.S. states and 33 other nations searching for students trained in biotechnology (iowabio.org).
  • Anticipated average starting salary $25,000-$38,000 depending on industry and position.  Benefits often include: healthcare, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, competitive pay, bonus programs and retirement plans.

Nondiscrimination Policy


Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in or allow discrimination covered by law. This includes harassment based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy and marital status), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability and genetic information. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law. Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint through the College Discrimination Complaint Procedure. Complaint forms may be obtained from the Campus Provost’s office, the Academic Deans’ office, the Judicial Officer, or the EEO/AA Officer, Human Resources. For information about the ADA, the Section 504/ADA Coordinator can be contacted at 515-964-6857. For Title IX questions and concerns contact 515-964-6850.